Gilda Radner

Biography

Gilda Radner was an influential American comedian and actress, born on June 28, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan. She was the youngest of two children in a Jewish immigrant family. Radner attended the University of Michigan but left to pursue a career in theater, making her stage debut in "Godspell" in Canada. In 1975, she became the first cast member of "Saturday Night Live," where she created iconic characters such as Emily Litella and Roseanne Roseannadanna, earning acclaim for her comedic talent. Radner's time on SNL lasted until 1980, after which she married actor Gene Wilder. In her later years, she battled ovarian cancer, chronicling her experiences in her autobiography, "It's Always Something." Despite her struggles, she remained a beloved figure in comedy until her death on May 20, 1989. Radner's legacy continues to influence comedians and entertainers today.